Founded in 1992, NCF is a local, not-for-profit internet service provider. It has served more than 100,000 members. In the 1990s, it was how many people in the region first got online, through dial-up phone connections.

The Community Access Fund plan for Ottawa Community Housing tenants includes a 6mbps speed DSL connection with unlimited usage, free line installation, and no contract. It is possible in part because of a recent gift from the estate of one of NCF's first members, plus ongoing donations from many of their other members.

“NCF has always worked to ensure everyone in the region can get online,” said NCF Executive Director Shelley Robinson. “For us that means we offer affordable rates and want to help people understand how to use the internet. This is building on that work.”

She added that NCF is offering unlimited usage as part of the Community Access Fund plan because too often, low-income users are stuck with low bandwidth packages and high charges for additional bandwidth that restricts what they can do online.

Mayor Jim Watson said “The City of Ottawa recognizes the importance of access to affordable internet for all residents, and I applaud the partnership between Ottawa Community Housing Corporation and National Capital FreeNet.

This collaboration is essential in providing affordable internet access and bridging the digital divide for OCH tenants. They will now have easier access to online tools and be able to learn more skills, which in turn will build stronger communities all across Ottawa. Digital literacy is key in creating more opportunities for our residents, both now and for the future.”

For more information about the program, to sign-up, or to donate please email caf@ncf.ca.